NATIONAL Small Business WEEK SBA: Dream Big. Start Small.

May 4th-8th 2015

Celebrating America’s Entrepreneurs www.sba.gov/nsbw #DreamSmallBiz

Disclaimer: The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to this activity does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any cosponsor’s, donors, contractor’s or participant’s opinions, products or services. SCORE is partially funded by SBA Cooperative Agreement No. SBAHQ-12-S-0001. All SBA/SCORE programs and cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangement for person(s) with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. Contact: [email protected]. Cosponsorship Authorization No. SBW 2015.

Welcome Letter

U.S. Small Business Administration Washington, DC

To the Community of Business Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Innovators,

President Obama calls entrepreneurship the greatest force the world has ever known for lifting people out of poverty and promoting social mobility.

Amen, Mr. President.

Every year since 1963, the President has signed a proclamation designating National Small Business Week. It is time to ensure our entrepreneurs know the services SBA offers. It doesn’t matter if you run a restaurant, a retailer, an E-commerce website, or the next big thing in tech, the SBA is here for you.

In support of this year’s theme “Dream Big, Start Small,” we salute the small business owners who risk so much every day to generate jobs and create a better future for themselves and their families.

At events in Florida, California, Texas, New York and Washington, D.C, we’ll shine the spotlight on entrepreneurs who realized their dreams with the help of SBA programs.

Businesses start small, but with SBA’s support in their infancy, companies like Apple, Nike, and Fed Ex have grown into some of America’s most iconic brands.

I came to this country as a 5-year-old immigrant who did not speak a word of English. I had the opportunity to start three businesses, and today, I serve in the Cabinet of the President of the United States. My story is possible because of the entrepreneurial spirit.

Success in business comes one small step at a time. So dream big and take that bold step with SBA today. The next great American success story could be staring back at you in the mirror.

In partnership,

Maria Contreras-Sweet Administrator U.S. Small Business Administration

Table of Contents

Phoenix Award Winners 6

2015 Small Business Award Winners 8

Small Business Investment Company 35

7(a) Lender Awards 36

Dwight D. Eisenhower Award 37

8(a) Graduate 39

National Exporter of the Year 39

National Prime Contractor 40

National Subcontractor 40

SCORE Chapter of the Year 41

Women’s Business Center Award of Excellence 41

Veterans Business Outreach Center 42

SBDC Service Excellence and Innovation Center Award 42

Thank you to our Cosponsors 43 2015 Phoenix Award Winners

2015 Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions To Disaster Recovery by a Volunteer

Christian Spears 350 Kramer Avenue Staten Island, NY 10309

It all started with a Facebook post a few days after Hurricane flood-damaged homes. Within a month his team had worked on Sandy devastated much of New York’s coastal communities on more than 450 homes. October 29, 2012. SIFT’s Facebook page was instrumental in connecting businesses “Attention all Staten Islanders!!! I have started a group called and local residents with the resources they needed to expedite SIFT: Staten Island Friends Together. This organization was their recovery. Christian also used old-fashioned legwork, founded to help victims sift through their rubble to help find going door-to-door handing out food, water, blankets, and precious memories.” other necessities. As he reached out to local media and elected officials to expand the circle of recovery support, SIFT became a It wasn’t long before the post and the Facebook page created trusted resource to the point that the American Red Cross asked by 20-year-old Christian Spears started getting tons of likes and him to help support their relief efforts. While doing all this, responses from local volunteers ready to support the Hurricane Christian managed to keep his part-time job and continue his Sandy recovery efforts. studies at the College of Staten Island. At first Christian enlisted the SIFT volunteers to help with On the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, Christian and demolition and clean-up work. The first weekend SIFT had SIFT volunteers coordinated the replanting of trees and shrubs 217 volunteers. In the days that followed he prioritized SIFT’s to re-beautify Staten Island. He used his Facebook page to seek outreach, helping the elderly and single mothers clean up their donations of gloves, garbage bags, potting soil, plants and, of course, more volunteers.

2015 Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions To Disaster Recovery by a Public Official

Dan Rankin Mayor Town of Darrington, WA 1005 Cascade Street Darrington, WA 98241

On March 22, 2014, a major landslide occurred in Oso, He fought to get telephone and internet connections restored Washington, killing 43, engulfing 49 homes in mud and quickly, and did everything he could to make sure that State debris, blocking the main state highway and damming the Route 530—the main transportation link to Darrington— Stillaguamish River. reopened as quickly as possible. In the aftermath of the devastation, Mayor Dan Rankin’s first job A mill owner who served part-time as mayor before the was to comfort the families who had lost loved ones. He took mudslide, Dan closed his business last year so he could focus full- quick action to coordinate the search and rescue mission, while time on serving Darrington during this critical stage of recovery. working to ensure that residents and businesses had access to He has also taken a leadership role in planning for the future of emergency resources. He was a visible liaison to federal and the Stillaguamish Valley and developing new opportunity for a state officials, going above and beyond to keep the residents local economy that was built around logging and tourism. informed.

6 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 Phoenix Award Winners 2015

2015 Phoenix Award for Outstanding Small Business Disaster Recovery

Conrad Kreuter President Moriches Inlet Marine, Inc. 200 Atlantic Avenue East Moriches, NY 11940

Conrad Kreuter’s retail shop and marina in East Moriches, Moving quickly, Conrad created a chart to plot out the first New York typically stores about 500 boats each year. With tasks needed to mount a successful recovery. The damage was a background in electrical engineering, Conrad’s mind estimated at $825,000. He set a goal of reopening on April 1, the envisioned—with dread—the extent of the damages to the beginning of the boating season. marine after Hurricane Sandy devastated the area on October Conrad kept his suppliers informed about his recovery efforts, 29, 2012. and they in turn became a valuable resource. One vendor sent What he found was shocking. Windows were broken, and their salespeople to help Conrad and his team remove debris the destroyed walls exposed insulation and wiring. Sand and and restock shelves. With the support of an SBA disaster loan, seaweed were attached to everything. Wet papers, twisted he was able to keep his staff employed, rebuild the business, supply racks, light fixtures littered the floor, and the smell of and contribute to the restoration of the local economy, which dead fish was overwhelming. depends on the vibrant marina industry.

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 7 Alabama Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Donna C. Coleman On her way to this accolade, Donna President/CEO received assistance form SBA’s Mentor Aetos Systems, Inc. Protégé Program and the Women’s Business Center of North Alabama. In 2014, Donna 1525 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 115 was chosen as a Women’s Economic Huntsville, AL 35806 Development Council’s Foundation Women Honoring Women Honoree for Business and Industry. Also, Aetos was awarded the Donna Coleman founded Aetos Systems, Inc. in 2007 as an Small Business of the Year in Government Contracting by the Information Technology and Engineering Services company Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. serving both government and commercial clients. Aetos’ greatest strength is the way they do business through Under Donna’s leadership, Aetos has grown exponentially in Donna’s motto: “Being servant leaders – to serve first – size, number of employees and financial performance. A prime serving our customers, our employees and our community – contractor since 2008, mostly for NASA, DoD, DSIC and General encouraging collaboration, trust, listening and strong ethics.” Dynamics, Aetos today boasts a facility of more than 5,000 Donna is actively involved in community activities and square feet, 48 employees, and revenues of over $9 million. serves on the board of directors for multiple local non-profit organizations.

Alaska Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Renee L. Schofield and 22 people into a thriving operation Owner, President/CEO with 325 clients serving 7,000 individuals. TSS, Inc. From one employee to 14, TSS works nationwide from its locations in Alaska, 120 Carlanna Road Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. Ketchikan, AK 99901 Renee is a longtime friend of the Alaska Small Business Development Center in Ketchikan. “The SBDC acts as a coach in a lot of ways for me,” In 1999, Renee Schofield began her business venture with an states Renee. “The guidance for finding answers has been and SBA $20,000 small business loan. The sole proprietor of Tongass continues to be one of the most valuable assets I have.” Substance Screening (TSS), Renee was also the company’s only employee. Working from leased space within a medical clinic, Renee encourages and supports her employees in volunteering she maintained a 24/7 on-call status- offering drug and alcohol for community and charitable causes. The company is actively testing. involved in facilitating and supporting many events in the communities where TSS offices are located. Fast forward to 2014, the company has been incorporated and grown from their starting point of the $20,000 loan, four clients

8 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 Arizona Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Michael T. Melton By 2007 Melton was ready to expand and started an ADT Security dealership. Michael President/Owner struck again in 2014 launching a new ClearCall Solution LLC marketing firm called American Cornerstone 2150 E. Germann Road, Suite 1 Insurance which joined his others under the Chandler, AZ 85286 ClearCall Solutions umbrella, an inbound call center which focuses on customer acquisition for the ADT Security and Dish Network brands. Michael Melton is a serial entrepreneur. His results include a 255% revenue growth in five years and the At age 19, in 2002, he took advantage of his background in resulting addition of 280 employees. Revenues increased from call center management and co-founded a Dish Network $9.7 million to $32.8 million and his workforce has grown to 400 dealership that eventually ranked as one of the top 10 Dish employees. retailers in the country out of 1,000 other such retailers nationwide. Michael’s philosophy includes giving back to the community, and he and his company are involved in many activities helping others.

Arkansas Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Joel T. Johnson Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Texas. President Revenues increased dramatically but so P. I. Roofing did expenses. Facing a potentially fatal financial crisis, the company moved back 6109 Remount Road to its core in Central Arkansas. Joel credits North Little Rock, AR 72118 Arkansas SCORE counselor Jim Sadler with the assistance that helped put the company back on solid ground. The SCORE assistance P. I. Roofing has been in business since 2001, focusing on helped Joel to think of his business in a whole new way. residential customers in Central Arkansas. Educating the P.I. Roofing contributes to nine charities, needy individuals in customer is paramount to Joel. Joel and his wife, Veronica, wrote the community, and students going on mission trips. Joel and “The Roof Leak Detective –Never Pay for Another Roof!”The Veronica have also participated in mission trips to North Africa book’s goal is to educate their customers about their roofs and and Italy. how contractors think and operate. The roofing business is a tough industry, but P.I. Roofing has met the challenges and survived. In 2008 Joel expanded into

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 9 California Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Brian Milholland Brian’s business was able to navigate the President economic crisis of recent years by quickly Milholland Electric, Inc. repurposing the company and its assets; the company not only survived, but grew 1475 N. Cuyamaca Street its revenue and workforce by over 300%. El Cajon, CA 92020 That growth was helped by an SBA 504 loan through Chase Bank. In September 2014, Milholland Electric relocated all San Diego Brian Milholland began his electrician’s career while serving assets to its new main office in El Cajon. Milholland currently has his country in the U.S. Army in 1984. There he was trained as a a staff of 48 full-time workers. helicopter electrician and served in that military occupation for Among his community commitments, Brian has hired several three years. While stationed as a paratrooper at Fort Bragg North employees from the Not for Profit “Grid Alternatives Program,” a Carolina, Brian studied residential and commercial wiring. After flagship program, providing solar power for low-income families leaving the Army in 1987, Brian worked for a general contractor across the United States while providing volunteers and job for two years. He acquired his California Electrical Contractors trainees with hands-on solar installation experience. license and opened Milholland Electric, Inc., a small home-based business, in 1990.

Colorado Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Teresa Porter ISYS provides services in three core areas: President and CEO Infrastructure Support Services/Cyber ISYS Technologies Security, Engineering Services, and Military 801 W. Mineral Ave, Suite 105 Operations Support. Its current customers include multiple branches of the U.S. Littleton, CO 80120 Department of Defense; various defense and national security agencies; state and local government customers in Colorado; Teresa Porter is the President and CEO of ISYS Technologies the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), (ISYS), a woman-owned, engineering and information FAA, USDA, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is technology services firm providing services to federal, state currently in a Mentor Protégé relationship with the Raytheon and local government customers worldwide. In addition to its Company. Through this agreement, the Air Force provides Littleton headquarters, it has offices in Colorado Springs, and financial support to Raytheon in exchange for mentoring and the National Capital Region. ISYS will open an office in Omaha developmental assistance to ISYS. in 2015. ISYS’ annual revenues have expanded from less than $1 million to more than $22 million and from two employees to more than 200 including subcontractors in 16 locations across 10 states.

10 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 Connecticut Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Michael D. Smulders that began as a small natural foods market President & CEO in Glastonbury, CT. Garden of Light, Inc. After finding success with Bakery on Main, Dba Bakery on Main Michael launched Garden of Light, a much 27 Park Avenue larger natural foods market that is now a East Hartford, CT 06108 major producer of gluten-free, non-GMO food bakery products such as instant oatmeal, granola, and granola bars. Michael plans to expand Bakery on Main with a $5,000,000 Michael Smulders, President & CEO of Garden of Light, Inc., dba SBA 7(a) loan and $3,000,000 in equipment loans from the Bakery on Main, grew up vegetarian and has always been health Department of Economic and Community Development . The conscious. He learned early on that the many processed foods company expects to add 127 employees in three years. Michael on store shelves leave few options for those looking for healthier continues to listen to his customers in search of better tasting alternatives. In 2004, he created Bakery on Main, a family- gluten-free alternatives and health-conscious products. owned, gluten-free, non-GMO food manufacturing company

Delaware Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Joseph B. (Brad) Winemiller Brad is responsible for the performance President and management of high profile projects Greenleaf Services, Inc. for national cemeteries, state and federal agencies. The company has been a prime 365 Water St. contractor and a subcontractor, which has Wilmington, DE 19804 helped it expand throughout the Midwest and Northeast. It also received a $100,000 SBA Guaranteed Loan to help meet the For those who serve in the military, there is no greater honor higher payroll demand in 2011. The SBA’s Wilmington office, the than to be buried alongside fellow soldiers in Arlington National Procurement Technical Assistance Center and the Small Business Cemetery. For Brad Winemiller, President of Greenleaf Services, Development Center at the University of Delaware have been Inc., there is no greater honor than tending to those sacred pivotal in the company’s growth. It now employs 97 or more grounds. It is this camaraderie with his fellow service members people. that sparked the motivation to upkeep our nation’s memorial cemeteries. Brad, a service-disabled veteran who served four years in the U.S. Navy, established Greenleaf Services, a full service construction and landscaping firm in 1992.

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 11 District of Columbia Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Necole Parker In 2010, the National Science Foundation Principal/CEO awarded a $7 million federal contract to The ELOCEN Group LLC the ELOCEN Group to perform program management services, space design, 1341 H Street, Suite 301 information technology integration, and Washington, DC 20002 facility service planning. In 2013, it won its largest federal prime contract from the Food and Drug Administration for $50 million, As a woman business owner in the construction industry, Necole growing its staff from 30 to 53 employees. In January 2015, the Parker, CEO of The ELOCEN Group LLC, says gaining equal respect U.S. Department of Education awarded it a sole source contract and accessing the same opportunities as her male counterparts which has allowed it to employ over 60 people. Necole has also have been the greatest challenges she has faced since starting opened an office in Atlanta, Georgia to pursue commercial and her company. Necole formed The ELOCEN Group, a full-service government sector opportunities. program management firm that delivers client solutions for new construction, renovations, and information technology integration in 2006. The company became 8(a)-certified which proved to be instrumental in its growth.

Florida Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Carol M. Craig Small Business Development Center and Founder and CEO a $150,000 SBA-backed loan helped Carol Craig Technologies realize her small business dreams. 8550 Astronaut Blvd. What began as a one-woman business Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 rapidly grew when the company began to market to the federal government and received its first government contract in 2005. Today, the company manages more than 30 contracts Carol Craig considers herself an accidental entrepreneur. with more than 20 government agencies. It also has nearly 400 After leaving the U.S. Navy where she served as a Naval Flight associates in over 20 different states and $45M in revenues. Officer due to an accident, she founded Craig Technologies in 1999. Craig Technologies is a woman-owned, service- The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) presented disabled, veteran-owned, 8(a)-certified firm specializing in Carol with the Kathleen P. Sridhar Small Business Executive of systems engineering, project management, infrastructure the Year Award in 2013. Florida Trend magazine also listed Craig installation, software design, and custom avionics. The Florida Technologies as one of Florida’s Best Companies to Work For in 2011 and 2013.

12 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 Georgia Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Scott L. Soesbee 14,600 fires, 20 deaths, and $86.8 million CEO/Founder in property damage annually in the United FlameOFF Coatings, Inc. States alone. 9615 Brookhaven Ct Scott researched fire safety around 9 years Villa Rica, GA 30180 ago and started FlameOFF Coatings, Inc. Scott developed a water-based product of fully tested fire retardant and fire resistance intumescent paint products to provide a Former golf pro turned entrepreneur Scott Soesbee asked a high-level of fire protection at an affordable cost. Since 2006, friend his recommendation for a successful business venture FlameOFF Coatings, Inc. has helped more than 5,000 projects and he said, “fire.” Scott’s initial plan was to solve the problems achieve fire safety, many of them historic renovations. many homeowners face each year, such as a dryer that erupts in flames if the duct is filled with lint. In 2013, dryers caused

Guam Small Business Persons of the Year 2015

Francis Kenney and Timothy Murphy The company is also an Co-Owners importer of paste and Jamaico, Inc. powdered seasonings, spices and marinades dba Jamaican Grill and canned sodas from P.O. Box CF Jamaica in addition Hagatna, Guam 96932 to juice product lines direct from fruit processing plants in the Philippines, and unique sodas from Queensland, Australia. Jamaican Grill is owned and actively managed by Timothy Murphy and Francis Kenny. Founded in 1994, it operates one of Thanks to SBA financing, Jamaican Grill has been able to Guam’s best known restaurant chains which currently include gradually expand its operations. The company started out with three full-service restaurants on Guam. These Jamaican- a 200 square-foot facility and today Jamaican Grill has expanded themed restaurants offer a flavorful fusion of jerk and island to a third location—bringing the square footage total to 10,000. cuisine that caters to local families, military personnel and This steady expansion shows a desire to grow and invest profits tourists. back into the business. Today, the restaurant boasts 98 full-time and 7 part-time employees.

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 13 Hawaii Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Russell Ruderman that provide natural and organically grown President foods, many of which are locally sourced. Island Naturals Market, Inc; Island Naturals Kona, Inc. In 2006, the Hilo store gained traction, and Island Naturals Pahoa, Inc. building on the deli and nutritional 1221 Kilauea Avenue, Suite 170 supplements Island Naturals offered, and Hilo, HI 96720 laid the foundation for the purchase of the Pahoa location. The Hilo Store also expanded and relocated to a larger location in 2008 thanks to an SBA-backed loan. The company enjoys prominent placement in Russell Ruderman opened in Hilo in 1997 with a vision for Island food markets on the Big Island. Starting with one location and Naturals to become the premier natural foods grocer on the Big 40 employees 18 years ago, Island Naturals now employs 150 Island, long before healthy, natural and organic food trends were people, has three locations and a sales increase of more than 40 piquing the interest of consumers. Now, the local grocery store percent with more than $24 million in annual revenues. is a known brand with locations in Hilo, Pahoa and Kailua Kona

Idaho Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Patrick Nauman Since purchasing Weiser Classic Candy, the Owner store has averaged 11% growth in annual Weiser Classic Candy sales. The business has more than doubled its number of employees from seven to 449 State Street 15. Weiser’s has also grown its wholesale Weiser, Idaho 83672 business from six accounts to more than 150 stores throughout the United States and Canada. One of the driving factors in their As a child, Patrick Nauman grew up mesmerized by the local growth is the development of new and creative concoctions candy store in his rural hometown of Weiser, Idaho. On a visit such as chocolate dipped potato chips, chocolate dipped bacon, home in 2007, Patrick discovered the local candy store he once fudge shaped taters and fresh Idaho huckleberries whipped with cherished was for sale. He and a friend quickly evaluated the white chocolate and dipped in dark chocolate. opportunity and in June of that year, purchased the candy shop Weiser Classic Candy received assistance from the SBA’s Small from the original owners of 24 years. Business Development Center at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Ore. to help in their growth.

14 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 Illinois Small Business Person of the Year 2015

John H. Griffin in sales in 2003 and two employees, AGB President and CEO now employs more than 200 individuals, AGB Investigative Services, Inc. and had sales in excess of $5 million in 2014. John keeps his focus on the future 2033 W 95th St of his industry, and will continue to expand Chicago, IL 60643 into new areas of the security industry with AGB’s increasing focus on cybersecurity. AGB’s growth required additional access to capital and the Founded in 2001 by John Griffin, AGB Investigative Services, Inc., business received an SBA Small Loan Express revolving line of is a full-service asset protection and risk mitigation company, credit in 2012. In 2013, AGB received an additional SBA 7(a) loan providing expertise in all aspects of security. Though AGB serves to invest in AGB’s state-of-the art facility. As a current SBA 8(a) clients nationwide, it remains central to its local community and certified business since 2012, AGB has already leveraged the lives by the philosophy Always Giving Back. business development program to win several federal security John’s passion for criminal justice and protecting communities is services contracts. reflected in the growth of the business. Starting from $350,000

Indiana Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Christopher S. Conner (Shane) With 17 full-time employees, ATEC works Owner and President for both government and private entities. Advanced Technologies in Electrical & Communications, Inc. The company, an SBA 8(a) certified minority business, has expanded with a (ATEC) growing number of opportunities. The 417 Lafayette Ave net worth of ATEC continues to trend Lebanon, IN 46052-2080 upward and the business has shown a net profit for the last four years. Shane has diversified the company by adding wireless and data ATEC is a locally owned, full-service electrical and installations, and the firm was used to perform this function at communications contractor based in Lebanon, Ind. The the last four Super Bowls. In addition, he traveled to London, business was started in 2005 by C. Shane Conner and Mark England to handle the wireless communication for the National Spong, and in 2010 Conner purchased his partner’s shares Football League International Series. of stock in ATEC and S&C Property Group, the land holding The firm has received four SBA guaranteed loans from the company. Farmers Bank in Indiana, two of which have been paid in full.

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 15 Iowa Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Deb K. Davis hobby during retirement has turned into a CEO thriving business. Sisters Homestyle Entrees She started with just one employee - her 1303 W. 22nd St. husband Bret. Since then, Sister’s has gone Humboldt, IA 50548 through several expansions, and now has 33 full-time employees. The business started packaging 200 meals a month, and has grown to 42,000 meals a month in just three years. Deb Davis learned at a young age the satisfaction of creating a home cooked meal and the value that comes from the time Deb received help from the SBA’s North Central Iowa Small spent enjoying that meal with family. Having more than 25 Business Development Center and an $847,000 loan from the years of experience in the food service industry made it easy for SBA’s 504 Fixed Asset Financing Program, which will expand Deb to create Sister’s Homestyle Entrees. Sister’s from two buildings totaling 4,800 square feet to a new, 30,000 square-foot facility. Started in 2011, Sister’s provides home cooked, pre-packaged entrées that are ready to heat and eat. What Deb intended as a

Kansas Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Mr. Philip M. Brokenicky In 2002, Philip bought New Horizons RV President & CEO Corporation with 31 employees. When New Horizons RV Corporation the deep recession hit in 2008, it was a 2401 Lacy Dr devastating blow to the company. To avoid laying-off his employees, Phil kept his staff Junction City, Kansas 66441 busy through the dark days from 2008 until 2011. Phil was determined to survive the recession with a more improved product As a true entrepreneur, Philip Brokenicky continues to drive line. In 2013, he refinanced the working capital and property new innovations in order to keep New Horizons RV Corporation with an SBA CAPLine and 7(a) loan with Intrust Bank. at the cutting edge of luxury fifth wheel and travel trailer Today, the RV industry is now producing and selling at 2007 production. Phil attributes many of his business principles from levels again and employs over 40 workers. his father, and how he handled customer service in his business.

16 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 Kentucky Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Scott Louis Shinn SSI has experienced 700% growth in President and CEO revenue since its inception and operates Sustainment Solutions, Inc. worldwide in tough, remote, and hazardous climates. Today, the company 152 Pleasant Retreat Drive has seven full-time employees and 40+ Lancaster, KY 40444 contractors worldwide. Its improvements in operations as well as its focus on emerging technologies has resulted in revenue Scott Shinn is the President and CEO of Sustainment Solutions, growth of almost 500% over a three-year period, from $2.1 Inc. (SSI). He is a veteran and entrepreneur who invests in new million in 2011 to $6.1 million in 2012 and $10.1 million in 2013. technology and ideas, particularly those originating in the local Scott expresses a passion for philanthropy, and considers community. He and his wife Amanda started SSI from their that each entrepreneurial endeavor opens opportunity for home in December 2009. They soon had four contract engineers philanthropy and volunteerism. deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan supporting an X-ray security manufacturer contracted by NATO and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Louisiana Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Todd Matherne With its 10 employees, Renaissance CEO, Publisher publishes several magazines including Renaissance Publishing New Orleans Magazine, St. Charles Avenue, Louisiana Life, On Stage, Acadiana Profile, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123 New Orleans Bride, and New Orleans Homes Metairie, LA 70005 and Lifestyles, along with many custom titles for various organizations and the company website MyNewOrleans.com, and Todd Matherne has been in the publishing industry in the most recently publishing Biz New Orleans Magazine beginning in Greater New Orleans region for more than 28 years, working his October 2014. way up from an intern in the industry and defying media trends Today, Renaissance continues to launch new products and by forming Renaissance Publishing Company in 2006. services. Two years after reflagging, Renaissance Publishing Nearly wiped out by Hurricane Katrina, he considered closing posted top line growth of 12 percent, generating almost the company until he and two key employees— executive vice $4.5 million. president and director of sales Kelley Faucheux and editor-in­ chief Errol Laborde—bought out the publishing assets and renamed the company.

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 17 Maine Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Heidi V. Neal LBC communities to raise money and Owner awareness for local shelters. LBC hosts Loyal Biscuit Company three of these events per year and in the last three years has raised $19,245.53 for 442 Main St. area shelters. Between all fundraising Rockland, ME 04841 events, LBC has donated more than $40,000 to local animal organizations in the last few years in cash and products. Heidi Neal purchased the single location of Loyal Biscuit In August 2014, LBC opened their fourth location on Main St. in Company (LBC) in Rockland in January 2010. A huge part of Waterville and that store employs three people. Currently, LBC what separates LBC is the company’s involvement with the has eleven employees with three Loyal Biscuit locations serving community’s local shelters and rescue groups. as satellite locations for the adoption of cats and kittens. LBC has In 2014, LBC hosted its 10th and 11th Pints for Paws event, found homes for over 200 cats and kittens in the last 2 ½ years of partnering with local restaurants, to bring a fun event to the this program.

Maryland Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Sophia Parker DSFederal revenue has increased each year, President from $179,000 in 2009 to $10.9 million in DSFederal 2013. Sophia credits the SBA and the 8(a) Business Development Program, along 11900 Parklawn Drive with staff, for the company’s achievements. Rockville, MD 20852 In 2011, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute of

Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) In 2007 Sophia Parker founded DSFederal, a company tasked DSFederal to develop a “Ladder Safety” mobile app, specializing in grant program management and data analytics, which uses smartphone technology to guide users on optimal training and education, and information technology solutions. ladder set-up. From May 2013 to January 2014, the app was DSFederal began with one employee—Sophia. Within a year, downloaded more than 14,000 times, according to NIOSH. DSFederal grew from 85 to 120 employees with locations in Sophia engages in philanthropy. In December 2014 her IDEA eight states. In 2013 DSFederal acquired a 4,000 square-foot Foundation raised $8,500 to support women and children in headquarters in Rockville, and added 1,000 square feet of office Afghanistan seeking education. space in 2014.

18 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Todd Snopkowski realized 13 years of progressive growth President, SnapChef and is expected to reach revenues of $5 420 Washington Street million in 2015. Boston, MA 02124 As a result of SnapChef’s culinary training programs and workforce development initiatives, Todd currently employs over 250 people and has permanently placed Todd Snopkowski created SnapChef to raise the standards more than 1000 underemployed into in kitchen operations in large volume, upscale operations. the hospitality industry. SnapChef seeks to make a difference SnapChef also provides people with training and the skills in the lives of its employees by preparing them with the they need to gain temporary or permanent employment in the skills necessary for careers in the hospitality industry, not just food-service industry. temporary workers in the food-service industry. Thanks to SBA counseling and finance assistance, Todd has more than doubled sales after securing some key accounts and opening SnapChef’s first office in Rhode Island. SnapChef has

Michigan Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Pat LeBlanc fluorescent lights was the keystone lighting Owner and Chairman product for the company, positioning it as EBW Electronics, Inc. an industry leader. 13110 Ransom Street The company has overcome significant Holland, MI 49424 obstacles. The company has recovered from the loss of a significant customer three times.

Pat LeBlanc has served as the owner of EBW Electronics since Operating out of a 250,000 square-foot facility, EBW its inception in 1992. The company was initially designed to continuously upgrades equipment to compete on price with be a captive supplier for its parent company which produced its foreign competitors. electronic monitoring equipment for underground storage Encouraging his employees is something Pat considers to be a devices. When the parent company was sold in 2000, EBW critical function of his job. Electronics was forced to develop a more diversified customer base and product line. A proprietary line of electronic ballasts for He makes it a personal goal to interact daily with each of the company’s 180 employees.

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 19 Minnesota Small Business Person of the Year 2015

James F. Kruse Because of unforeseen family struggles, Jim Co-owner/Visionary turned to construction. A workplace injury Melissa M. Kelley resulted in the need to find another way to make a living. Co-owner/General Manager J. F. Kruse Jewelers In 2000 he opened J. F. Kruse Jewelers. The 110 Waite Avenue South store started with two full-time and two part-time employees and had $200,000 in Saint Cloud, MN 56301 sales in its first quarter. Jim made use of the SBA 7(a) program in the early years. From 2000 to 2003 the company received three different loans to Jim Kruse learned about the jewelry business as a young man, support the company’s start-up. He overcame personal and working at a St. Cloud jeweler as a bench jeweler and a diamond financial hardship to build a business that in 2014 had sales of setter. He soon found himself working the sales side of the $2.9 million. business. In 2013, J. F. Kruse doubled its size with a new store in St. Cloud. Jim has been joined in the business by his daughter, Melissa, a gemologist, co-owner and general manager of the store.

Mississippi Small Business Persons of the Year 2015

Derek Starling research, facilities Principal support and logistics Willie A. O’Neal, Jr. management. They expanded the Principal company in the SOL Engineering Services LLC federal marketplace, 106 South President Street, 4th Floor and integrated Jackson, MS 39201 seasoned managers to improve SOL’s business processes. SOL became HUBZone certified in January 2006 and 8(a) In 2001, SOL Engineering Services (SOL) was established as certified in July 2006. SOL landed its first 8(a) contract in July a regional engineering and technical services provider. With 2008 and a HUBZone contract in December 2009. clients throughout the southeastern U.S., SOL’s reputation is Gross revenue has increased from $2.3 million in 2010 to $8.6 built on providing responsive engineering and related technical million in 2013. SOL started with three employees and now has services with full client service. 117 employees with two branch offices in Vicksburg, Mississippi Derek Starling and Willie O’Neal have led SOL through a period and New Orleans, Louisiana. of revitalization and sustained growth. They transformed SOL’s business model from a company focused on municipal engineering to a multi-disciplined firm doing engineering

20 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 Missouri Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Alan Doan hundreds of packages President every single day to Sarah (Doan) Galbraith customers all over the globe. Due to their Board Director popularity on YouTube, Missouri Star Quilt Company the brick and mortar 100 N. Ardinger Street shop has become a Hamilton, MO 64644 quilting destination drawing a tremendous amount of mail to Hamilton. In 2013, the owners received an SBA 504 loan to construct a 45,000 square-foot facility to be used primarily for warehousing and shipping, as well as for customer service, sales and a photo/ Alan Doan took out a loan to buy a quilting machine and a catalog studio. Missouri Star Quilt now owns 15 buildings, small building to house it, and in 2008 he and his sister Sarah encompassing 116,365 square feet. Net worth of the operating Galbraith launched Missouri Star Quilt Company. This unique company has grown from $60,576 in 2011 to $206,608 in 2013. business is a combination of e-commerce and a bustling brick They are considered the largest employer in Caldwell County, and mortar operation that has brought new life to Hamilton. with 148 employees. Quilting tutorials posed on YouTube and hosted by Alan and Sarah’s mother Jennie became a big hit. The company now ships

Montana Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Rich Naylor While the handyman service is still a major President part of his business, Rich has expanded to My Handyman Service & Construction, Inc. finishing basements, building detached garages and remodeling kitchens and 908 Avenue E bathrooms. Billings, MT 59102 Rich relies upon referrals as a source of new customers. Word-of-mouth advertising has helped his business grow over 400% in sales Rich Naylor is the Founder and President of My Handyman from 2010 to 2014. Service & Construction, a small business in Billings that launched in October 2010. Rich has attended numerous trainings, including SBDC’s NxLevel Entrepreneurs Program, and sought out business consulting to The primary business objective then was residential property grow and improve his business. repairs. Nearly five years later, the business has grown from a one-man operation to providing jobs for seven employees. In 2013, Rich was named one of The Billings Gazette’s “40 Under Forty.”

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 21 Nebraska Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Scott Mueller sales, commodity brokerage, organic waste President/CEO management, and a popular restaurant for Samson LLC a lunch of juicy, tender Angus beef. 2204 14th St. Scott also is navigating export rules to Columbus, NE 68601 sell beef from the heartland of America to other countries around the world. Scott figured out how to both support the $1 billion-a-year Nebraska beef export market and satisfy domestic It started when Scott Mueller had ambition to grow beyond demands from more than 500 certified customers in 36 states. raising crops and feeding cattle on the family farm. Today, he’s By 2014, Scott formed an investor group to save a local hotel and the head of Samson LLC, a diverse, environmentally-responsible convention center from closing thanks to a $1.7 million SBA 504 agricultural business in Columbus, one that’s grown to $3.1 loan. million in revenue for 2014. The secret to his small business success? He admits he’s got a The company and its subsidiaries are involved in land holdings, weakness when it comes to new ideas: “I just have to learn how composting, a feed lot, crop production, cattle ownership, feed to say no,” he laughed.

Nevada Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Chad McCullough Chad took his experience of opening a President similar business model in Shanghai, China Elite Media, Inc. and applied it to the opening of Elite Media in the United States. The business grew well 145 Brightmoor Court past the projected sales in the first year with Henderson, NV 89074 100% customer satisfaction, at a time when he was responsible for all sales, project management, marketing, admin, etc. He Chad McCullough is co-owner and President of Elite Media, brought Elite Media to Henderson, Las Vegas from Los Angeles, Inc., a Henderson, NV based outdoor advertising company when he realized Las Vegas’ growth phenomenon would impact specializing in digital advertising, wall scapes, building-wraps, all areas of business including outdoor advertising. Chad made billboards and taxi media. In 2002 Chad started Elite Media it his mission to put Las Vegas on the map and traveled across based in Los Angeles and moved the company to Las Vegas in the county educating agencies and outdoor buyers about the 2003, envisioning excellent advertising growth in Las Vegas. Las Vegas market. The business now offers digital Parquees, Prior to owning Elite Media, Chad was co-owner and founder of billboards and taxi top media, including vehicle wraps. Skywall Media, a Shanghai, China based company specializing Chad emphasized the importance of his reputation and keeping in out-of-home media. Chad gained his expertise in outdoor his word. His company mantra is Honesty, Expertise, Quality and advertising working as Senior V.P. for Mango Graphics and Satisfaction. World Wide Print in Los Angeles, CA, specializing in large format printing. Chad was recipient of 2012 Top 40 Under 40 Las Vegas Professionals and in October 2014 was recognized as one of Las Vegas’Top 100 Men of Success.

22 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 New Hampshire Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Scott Johnson meet customer needs, CRS expanded to President include a broader range of services, and SOS Parts LLC d/b/a Certified Retail Solutions by 2010 was providing on-site installation, maintenance, and repair services. CRS One Quality Way works with retailers and service providers Dover, NH 03820 nationwide to improve and extend the value of stores’ technology assets. Employment and revenues have steadily increased at CRS. The Scott Johnson is the owner and operator of SOS Parts LLC, DBA current level of 90 employees is a 45% increase from 2012. From Certified Retail Solutions (CRS) – but Certified is not Scott’s first 2010 through 2014, sales experienced double digit growth each business venture. Previously, Scott worked in sales, and in 1985 year, for a combined 125% growth in revenues. To support this he began acquiring and developing real estate in northern NH, growth, CRS secured an SBA 7(a) loan in 2010 through Centrix moved to Colebrook, and started his own agency, Dixville Notch Bank (now Eastern Bank) for additional inventory. CRS now Realty. With the collapse of the real estate market at the end operates from two facilities in Dover, NH – a leased 50,000 sq. of the 80s, he moved to the coast of NH in January 1990. Scott ft. warehouse, and a 30,000 sq. ft. headquarters and production went to work for Zero One Distributors (a computer distributor) facility built in 2012 with the help of an SBA 504 loan through as a salesperson but soon became director of international Granite State Development Corp. marketing and quickly grew a multi-million dollar pipeline of business in the European marketplace. Scott also found time to be an active member of and a great contributor to many local organizations. He currently has the third Scott and a partner decided to start their own company in flight of paid interns from the Dover Career Technical Center at July 1990 to take advantage of a marketplace need, and their Dover High School at work at his two companies and has helped company supplied service parts for the rapidly growing PC to financially support deserving interns going on to college. business. In 1993, Scott assumed full ownership and continued to focus on growing the service parts business. To continue to

New Jersey Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Michael Miqueli the opportunity to purchase a trucking President/CEO company with strong ties to railroad work, San Antonio Broker Services, Inc. Michael reached out to the dispatcher of that company, offering him a job with San 2500 83rd Street, Building 12 Antonio Broker Services. That move now North Bergen, NJ 07047 accounts for $2.5 million in annual sales with the railroads. In 2013, San Antonio Broker Services received three SBA-backed If you have enjoyed a clementine or kiwi in the New York Metro loans totaling $1.25 million. This enabled the company to increase area, Michael Miqueli’s San Antonio Broker Services may have its fleet of trucks and add new business. Revenues jumped from helped move those products from a port to your local store. $2.3 million in 2012 to $8.0 million in 2014. Michael, a Cuban-American, started his company in 1996 with San Antonio Broker Services now has 40 vehicles with over 55 a used truck and a credit card with a $2000 credit limit. By 2007, employees and expects 30 percent growth in 2015. Thanks to the Michael had tractor trailers and serviced importers in the produce SBA-backed loans, the company is a market leader recognized by business, mostly out of the Hunts Point Market in the Bronx. By Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in America. 2010, Michael had traded in his seven trucks for 10. Recently, the company has expanded its trucking services to In 2011, with major company growth on the horizon, Hurricane include dry goods imports/exports as well as major retailers in the Sandy’s damages to ports caused the loss of three weeks of Tri-State area. Michael’s long-term vision for the company is to business. But San Antonio Broker Services didn’t shut down or lay grow its revenue to $25 million, while actively pursuing acquisition off one single employee. opportunities to achieve this goal. “If anything, the storm made us dig down deeper and look for other avenues to generate income,” said Michael. Losing SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 23 New Mexico Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Richard Jackson Administration (SBA) guaranteed loans. CEO/Founder The first SBA 7(a) loan was used to finance American Document Services LLC inventory and working capital. 300 N 17th St. Ste. A ADS, a family-operated business, is a full- Las Cruces, NM 88005 service records management company that provides customer information security, document destruction, and imaging of historical and current business information. Richard “Rick” Jackson attended the University of Oklahoma where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business In 2007, with the help of a second SBA 7(a) loan, Rick purchased Administration and Management. He then served in the United his only other local competitor. With the help of the DACC States Army, rising to the rank of Post Sergeant Major at White SBDC business advisor, Rick acquired a new SBA 7(a) loan in Sands Missile Range. 2008 to expand the business into a larger facility and hire more employees. After his military retirement, Rick began a career in the banking industry where he discovered his true passion -- ADS is expanding by adding franchises in Albuquerque, New entrepreneurship. His vision, as well as his expertise in dealing Mexico, Richmond, Virginia, Houston, Texas, and Phoenix, with high security issues in the military and in the banking Arizona. Rick has created nine full-time jobs and also employs business, became the foundation for his new venture. two part-time employees from Tresco, Inc. , a nonprofit company that works with people with developmental delay and In 2001, Rick sought the assistance of the Small Business disabilities. Development Center at the Dona Ana Community College. DACC SBDC selected Rick as its “Star Client” for four years. Not In 2002, Rick rented a 3,000 square-foot space and started only has he patriotically served his country as a soldier, he ADS with one shredder and a truck. Initially, he acquired four continues to be a consultant in Baghdad, Iraq. accounts. Within eight months Rick had to hire two more employees. Again, he sought the assistance of the DACC Rick has made significant time and monetary contributions to SBDC in 2004 to secure the first of three U.S. Small Business many community-related projects.

New York Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Charles Feit, CEO largest New York City solar energy provider. OnForce Solar, Inc. Today, the company has 100 employees, 728 E. 136th St. and hired a full-time recruiter to fill another 50 positions. Bronx, NY 10454 To hire enough workers for the growing business, OnForce has partnered with Bronx Community College to create its Charles Feit founded OnForce Solar in 2008 and has led its new corporate headquarters, which will be an extension of the rapid growth from what started as a home-based business that college through Governor Cuomo’s Start-Up NY program. evolved into a solar developer that finances, designs, engineers, installs, and maintains solar energy systems for commercial, The $7 million needed to fund the company’s portion of the industrial, utility, nonprofit, and residential customers in New project will come from an SBA 504 loan from the Business York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maryland. Initiative Corporation of New York, a Certified Development Company, Bank of America and OnForce Solar. Based in the Bronx, the company’s footprint has expanded rapidly. Under Charles’ leadership, OnForce has become the

24 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 North Carolina Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Jeff Slosman Jeff soon realized that many customers had President specialized needs that weren’t being met. National Wiper Alliance Determined to fill that void and yearning to create unique partnerships with vendors 875 Warren Wilson Road and customers, Jeff began providing Swannanoa, NC 28778 specialized services including labeling and packaging. In 2012 NWA moved into a 500,000 square-foot manufacturing National Wiper Alliance (NWA) is a manufacturer of industrial facility. The company now employs 120 and sells its products wipes and cloths, recycling nonwoven materials and converting across the U.S. and to about two hundred countries worldwide. them into dry wiping products. The company started with two employees in 1996. Jeff Slosman and his 85-year-old grandfather Jeff gives back to the community; he and the NWA team initially operated out of 2,000 square feet of borrowed space. donate their time and resources to many local, national and international organizations including the March of Dimes, Heifer From wash cloths to heavy duty cleaning cloths, NWA supplies International, Meals on Wheels, and United Way. re-usable and disposable wipes to various industries in the manufacturing, food service, healthcare, government, and other sectors.

North Dakota Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Paula Jo Klein Smartt is showing incredible growth as Owner – Project Champion Smartt has gone from just $3,206 in sales in Smartt Interior Construction LLC 2011 to over $2.1 million by the end of 2013. P.O. Box 2002 There has been quite a learning curve, Fargo ND 58107 especially with such dramatic growth, but a strong relationship with the Center for Technology and Business (the North Dakota Women’s Business Center) has proved invaluable. Paula Entering an industry dominated by men did not stop Paula Klein first contacted the CTB to increase business through government from shifting her passion after 20 years in the design industry to contracting and eventually become certified as a woman-owned jump into the world of commercial construction. She became small business. She continued to receive additional training on motivated by alternative materials, which led her to start her own how to grow her company and ended up winning the CTB’s Woman business in 2011 called Smartt Interior Construction, a general Entrepreneur of the Year. contractor for North Dakota, South Dakota and western Minnesota. They are the sole distributer of DIRTT Environmental Solutions’ Paula continually emphasizes the importance of being a good role products: innovative walls, doors, millwork, flooring and power model to younger generations, especially young women. She has solutions. DIRTT stands for “Doing It Right This Time,” and focuses worked extensively with a STEM program in the West Fargo School their mantra around the question “Is there a different way to build District, as well as prioritizing the time to be active with the YMCA of the insides of buildings?” Cass and Clay Counties Women of the Year Program and the Fargo Lions Club. Paula is the owner and project manager, and actually goes to construction sites and oversees projects. She has another project champion in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and an in-house designer.

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 25 Ohio Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Matthew Karl Fish Matt’s unique idea has grown into six Owner and President Melt Bar and Grilled locations, each Melt Bar and Grilled, Inc. with a loyal following and with its own special atmosphere. To help make the P.O. Box 771150 development of the business possible, Lakewood, Ohio 44107 Matt received three SBA 7(a) loans through Huntington Bank, N.A., which allowed him to expand to his three newest restaurants. In 2006, Matt Fish opened the first Melt Bar and Grilled The business now has nearly 400 employees at six eateries. restaurant with the goal to provide grilled cheese sandwiches At the time Matt began at the original restaurant in Lakewood, and craft beers in a relaxed and eclectic atmosphere. The the suburb’s business district was in decline, but over time the concept took traditionally plated comfort food favorites and establishment became an anchor for the revitalization of the elevated them by turning them into colossal grilled cheese area. sandwiches.

Oklahoma Small Business Persons of the Year 2015

Brett Bain In 2014 Fairwind President/Co-Founder received an SBA loan Brian Edwards which they used to buy an aerial platform that President/Co-Founder allows them to more Fairwind LLC efficiently service the 6862 NW Meers Porter Hill Rd. wind turbines and oil Lawton, OK 73507 rigs. This equipment can quickly lift workers 336 feet in the air and allows access to any portion of any wind turbine in the United Fairwind LLC was founded in May 2008 and has grown to States. The demand for the aerial platform led to the acquisition 20 employees and 2013 gross revenue of $1.8 million. A of two smaller aerial platforms and plans for a second large aerial manufacturer of industrial cleaning compounds that provides platform. industrial maintenance services to the oil and gas industry, wind Brett and Brian have built a thriving service company working in industry, and government agencies, Fairwind was born when both the wind industry and the oil field. co-founder Brian Edwards became dissatisfied with his job selling industrial soap. He teamed up with his childhood friend Brett Bain to form the company.

26 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 Oregon Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Robert Powell to Prineville. Their data center build-out Owner encounter failed and Robert’s company FAB-TECH Manufacturing was sought to resolve the problem. 2541 SW High Desert Drive Robert’s ingenuity led to further fabrication Prineville, OR 97754 work on the data center project and similar centers nationwide. In 2010, Robert incorporated FAB-TECH, From a one-man welding shop to a large scale metal fabricator, and grew to a full-time staff of six, expanding from a 150 square- Robert Powell’s entrepreneurial journey has been full of smart foot space to a 1,000 square-foot office. decisions. In 2004, Robert decided to start his own business, In 2014, with the help of an SBA 7(a) loan, Robert purchased a renting a small shop and beginning to solicit any sort of 5.5 acre parcel, where his business continues to expand. His staff welding jobs he could. Sales that first year yielded less than has increased from to 20 employees, and FAB-TECH continues to $5,000. enjoy steady growth in gross sales, assets, and net worth. He moved to a larger market and opened a small shop in Prineville. A big break came in 2009 when Facebook moved

Pennsylvania Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Joseph G. Zidik when it lost founding partner Carl Yerger. President & CEO While dealing with the loss, Joe continued Custom Milling & Consulting (CMC), Inc. to lead and grow the business. 1246 Maidencreek Road Over the years CMC has utilized the Fleetwood, PA 19522 SBA’s Kutztown University Small Business Development Center for assistance. The company has expanded its office and warehouse facilities to house its growing equipment division Custom Milling and Consulting (CMC), Inc., was started by Joe and technology center. Zidik and Carl Yerger in 2002. The company provides custom material processing and toll processing services that help In 2013, CMC purchased a controlling interest in a custom companies bridge the gap between laboratory development, processing company in Curitiba, Brazil. Breaking into the South small production and full scale manufacturing. American market using the same business plan it uses in the U.S., CMC is starting with custom processing and is working Although CMC began with three employees, it now has 34 and toward having its equipment manufactured in Brazil as well. anticipates adding more. Tragedy struck the business in 2014,

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 27 Puerto Rico Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Frank Medina-Rivera Among his expansion goals for Vita Natura, President & CEO Frank plans to reach a total of 24 stores in Vita Natura the local market, including New York City. Plans also include expanding operations in Carr. 798 Km. 30.6, Bo. Cañas, Sector Guasábara the Caribbean, subsequently establishing Caguas, PR 00725 manufacturing operations in Puerto Rico. Frank was appointed by the Governor of Puerto Rico to the Puerto Rico Micro, Frank Medina-Rivera is the founder and owner of a chain of Vita Small, and Medium-sized Business Promotion Board, to help Natura stores that started operations in 2004, providing health recommend legislation to address the special needs of Puerto supplements and natural products. During the past 10 years, 19 Rico’s small business sector. Vita Natura stores have been established in 13 cities throughout the island, creating over 60 jobs, with sales exceeding $6 million. Throughout the years, Frank has actively participated in The business has expanded operations, opening a store in numerous SBA seminars and outreach efforts, and received Orlando, Fla. training from the SBA’s Puerto Rico Small Business and Technology Development Center.

Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Christopher Ciunci Only four years after its founding, the Owner company now serves over 35 clients, with Tribal Vision more than 25 employees spread over four offices and three countries. Chris prioritized 170 Westminster Street his internal team from the start and has Providence, RI 02903 created a human resources system that includes workshops, performance reviews, a strong internal training program, off site Chris Ciunci started Tribal Vision with a concept to transform company retreats and company social events. the traditional agency model. The company serves as an Tribal Vision has been ranked one of Providence Business News’ outsourced marketing department for hire that fills a gap in the Fastest-Growing Companies in Rhode Island for the past two marketplace. Through a hybrid of marketing strategy consulting years. It has had a 4000% revenue increase over a three-year and implementation, Tribal Vision provides organizations with period. Additionally, Providence Business News named Tribal marketing expertise. Vision one of the ‘Best Places to Work in Rhode Island’ for 2013.

28 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 South Carolina Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Melissa Allen Gladden address as her parents’ residence, Suite A-­ President spare bedroom. With a one-line phone, call Carolina Recruitment LLC waiting, family computer, dot matrix printer and carbon paper fax machine--Melissa was 727 Dilworth Lane in business. Suite 202 Rock Hill, SC 29732 Now, after 14 years in business and a couple of rough years during the 2008­ 2010 recession, CR received assistance from the Rock Hill Small Business Development Center and Melissa and CR are busier Melissa Allen Gladden, South Carolina’s Small Business Person than ever. In 2012 and 2013, CR added a VP of Executive Search of the Year 2015, has owned and operated a staffing service, and IT Placements, VP of Sales and Marketing, and an Operations Carolina Recruitment (CR), for the past 14 years. CR’s in-house Manager. At the same time, the temp staff grew from an average staff provides a full range of human resource services, including of 124 in 2012 to an average of 194 in 2013. Last year, CR added staffing, professional risk management, safety management, two more in-house positions, bringing its permanent staff from and payroll services. 5 to 7. Also, from 2012 to 2013, CR saw a 37.5% sales growth—a trend that continued into 2014. Now, CR is poised to continue its What once was a hopeful dream is now a real, in-house growth. Just recently, the company moved to its largest location operational team of 12 with a contingent “temp” staff of up to yet, doubling its physical size. 300. But it didn’t start out that way. Melissa believes in giving back to her community and dedicates In 2001, while drawing her weekly unemployment check, her free time to supporting local initiatives. Melissa started CR. Her first office happened to share the same

South Dakota Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Sean M. Coffman Center and a $100,000 backed by the Small Owner/CEO Business Administration, Sean was able CarsForSale.Com to hire a few more employees to help get things moving. 2707 S. Carolyn Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57106 Today, Carsforsale.com employs 185, with annual revenues over $20,000,000 and is 100% debt free. Starting with just 1,100 square feet of space, Carsforsale.com Sean Coffman created Carsforsale.com in 1999 to connect has grown to 25,000 square feet, and services around 18,000 automotive buyers and sellers. The project seemed to have automotive dealerships. The website reaches millions of visitors huge potential, but there were huge challenges ahead for each month and lists more than 2 million vehicles for sale Sean – he needed money and resources. nationwide. After a rocky start, he sold everything he owned to buy Both Sean and his employees recognize the importance of investors out and keep his dream for Carsforsale.com alive… giving back to the community and participate in Relay for but he was in desperate need of financial help. With the Life, Feeding South Dakota Backpack Project, Operation assistance of the Sioux Falls Small Business Development Christmas Child, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Curing Kids Cancer Radio-thon and serving meals at The Banquet of Sioux Falls.

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 29 Tennessee Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Dr. Edward S. Glaser From those humble beginnings, Sole Founder & CEO Supports has grown to an $8 million Sole Supports, Inc. company, assisted by an SBA-guaranteed loan, currently in its new home on Highway 7674 Highway 7 7 in Lyles, TN. It has become the largest Lyles, TN 37098 manufacturing employer in Hickman County, generating sales across the United States and several international markets. Edward S. Glaser, DPM is the founder and CEO of Sole Supports, The firm’s orthotics are sold through other podiatrists, Inc., located in Lyles, TN, an historically underutilized business chiropractors and bio-mechanical practitioners. His theories zone (HUBZone). and research address the way practitioners can correct poor foot Dr. Ed started his business in his garage in Fairview, TN in the posture thereby improving the overall biomechanics of the foot late 1980s and incorporated under the name of Sole Supports, and consequently the lower extremities as well. Inc. in 1992. From there, he moved the operation into a Dr. Ed and his company have also been active in community repurposed chicken coop in Bon Aqua, TN. activities and outreach donating both time and money to various nonprofit groups and institutions from Tennessee to Mexico.

Texas Small Business Person of the Year 2015

David F. Shutler Along the way David received SBA President & CEO assistance that included selection for SBA Utility Systems Solutions, Inc. 8(a) Business Development Program, Small Disadvantaged Business, SBA approved 14330 Midway Road, Suite 200 Mentor Protégé with Schneider Electric, Dallas, TX 75244-3501 and E200 Emerging Leaders Program. He also participated in the Goldman Sachs 10KSB Program. A retired Air Force Colonel with 25 years of service, David F. US2 has contributed over $255,000 to various charities, including Shutler established Utility Systems Solutions, Inc. (US2) in 2005 The Boy Scouts of America and faith-based organizations. In to provide turnkey installation services for energy efficiency addition, David serves as a Board Chair of Bible Study Seminars, projects in steam and lighting. He now serves as President and a 501(c) (3) nonprofit that authors Bible curricula for home study. CEO of US2, a key provider of wireless steam trap systems for He has mentored students through US2’s internship program, the federal government. Today, the company employs 26 and and has given talks on leadership and moral character at St. has expanded its services to include energy efficient lighting, Mark’s School of Texas. insulation, energy audits, and various services that provide solutions to improve energy efficiency in aging government facilities.

30 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 Utah Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Cory Robison than 400 employees including most of the CEO/Manager original partners and employees. Stonehenge Care LLC Cory and Wyatt Cloward purchased their 365 South 400 West, Suite 101 first assisted living center in 2006 and sold Orem, UT 84058 it in 2011. During that time period, they formed Stonehenge Care, named after the famous ancient aggregation of rocks

thought to be a place of healing, restoration and rejuvenation. One of Cory Robison’s first full-time jobs nearly ended as In 2008, Stonehenge Care built the first of four assisted living quickly as it began. Not long after being hired, Cory’s company facilities along northern Utah’s Wasatch Front. A fifth facility is closed its doors due to financial hardship. Shortly thereafter, nearing completion and two more are in active development. Cory’s five fellow workers convinced him to test and apply for Cory has used an SBA 504 loan to build each of the state-of-the­ a license to take over the business. In 1997, Cory incorporated art facilities. C&R Stone, Inc. Today, the company enjoys 10 times their 1997 revenues, totaling nearly $20 million in revenues and more

Vermont Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Monica Greene Gage and establish Vermont Thread Gage, President and CEO an affiliated company through common Vermont Precision Tools, Inc. ownership. 10 Precision Lane Monica Greene, President and CEO, worked Swanton, VT 05488 her way up in the family business while in high school and college with the help of mentoring from her parents. A partner since 1996, Monica has now become the Norman C. Leduc and Raymond Boutin founded Vermont sole owner of VPT, after the retirement of her former business Precision Tools, Inc. (VPT) as a family-owned business in 1968 partners and the company is now a woman-owned business. with the assistance of a $60,000 SBA 7(a) loan. VPT services the Monica is responsible for providing the visionary and strategic metalworking industries, including aerospace, automotive, cold leadership for the organization. As a second generation heading, cutting tool, die-casting, ejection molding, fastener, business owner, she has seen her business grow from a few medical tooling, powder metal, stamping and tool & die. The employees to over 325 with in-state and out-of- state expansions company later secured two more 7(a) loans to launch Vermont and annual revenues of $10-$20 million.

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 31 Virgin Islands Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Linda Bailey Ten years later, inspired by the birth of Owner her first daughter Harmony L. Allen, Linda Soul Creations, Inc. launched Harmony Bath and Body, Inc. This second business offers products which 1805 Kongens Gade are manufactured based on old-fashioned St. Thomas, USVI 00802 home remedies. In 2012, Linda returned to school and received her cosmetology license. In 2013, Harmony Bath and Linda Bailey graduated from High School in 1996 and pursued a Body products was able to expand through the SBA’s State Trade Technical License at the Sheradon Vocational/Technical School in and Export Promotion (STEP) initiative by selling internationally Florida. That winter she completed the program and returned to to neighboring Caribbean Islands like Antigua and British Virgin St. Thomas to establish herself as a Master Nail Technician. Islands, as well as countries like Canada and England. Linda began working in a local salon and, by early fall 1997, Linda continues to evolve as an entrepreneur and expand she opened her own hair and nail salon, and named it Soul into other businesses such as Home Grown Poultry Farm and Creations, Inc. After some time, Linda relocated her shop and UDreamIt Printing. Her family, friends, co-workers and faithful expanded her business to a full-service salon, which catered to customers continue to keep her in “Harmony” and inspire her to hair, nails, spa services, and retail. always “Dream”.

Virginia Small Business Person of the Year 2015

P. Tulane Patterson ambulating and caring for bed-bound CEO and Owner individuals. Home health aides have Generation Solutions specialized training in caring for hospice and palliative care patients, dementia and 1032 Claymont Drive Alzheimer’s disease. Companion services Lynchburg, VA 24502 include assistance with transportation, shopping, meal preparation, light housekeeping and laundry with safety as a Generation Solutions was founded in Lynchburg, Va. in 1998 on top priority. the premise that older adults prefer to spend their retirement The company opened an office in Roanoke two years after years living in the comfort of their own homes. The company its inception. While the company started with only three offers a comprehensive program of retirement and home employees, it currently employs 320 people from Lynchburg to management services for residents. Generation Solutions Roanoke. It also plans to expand into the New River Valley. provides personal care such as bathing, grooming, feeding,

32 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 Washington Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Lori J. Blades Her daughter, son and husband help run President/Founder the business. In 1988 there were three Kids ‘N Us Early Learning Academy employees. Today Lori has a staff of 139. 17120 9th Avenue SE In 2006, a bookkeeper embezzled $305,000 Mill Creek, WA 98012 and Lori was able to get the individual prosecuted and jailed for her crimes. The company recovered and new procedures were put into place to make sure the Lori Blades was a single mother who had a vision. She wanted unfortunate incident never happened again. to raise her daughter in a high quality childcare setting where she could also earn a living. She went back to college and The SBA 504 loan program has helped Kids ‘N Us purchase land earned a degree in early childhood education and child care and buildings. The most recent loan in 2014 is providing funds management. Lori started Kids ‘N Us Early Learning Academy in for ground up construction of a new state-of-the-art childcare 1988. facility in Marysville. Kids ‘N Us has grown with a lot of hard work, from one school licensed for 48 children to five schools and a corporate office with a license capacity of 841 children.

West Virginia Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Jeannette King SRE provides strategic management President & CEO and IT consulting services to the federal Strategic Resolution Experts, Inc. government using international standards and industry best practices. SRE also 200 Cahill Court implements repeatable processes for Inwood, WV 25428 customers to use long after SRE’s work is finished. SRE has 19 employees in five states: West Virginia, Virginia, Jeannette King is the President and CEO of Strategic Resolution Maryland, Indiana, and Alabama. The SBA provided assistance Experts, Inc. (SRE), an 8(a) small disadvantaged, woman, to Jeannette through a Patriot Express Loan and 8(a) and small veteran-owned small business providing management disadvantaged business certification. consulting, information technology planning, and support services. Jeannette actively supports service members and veterans through mentoring and providing employment opportunities, In 2007, as a single mother and honorably discharged Navy and through the financial support of various charities focused veteran with only $10,000 in her bank account, Jeannette on active duty military, families and veterans. started SRE.

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 33 Wisconsin Small Business Person of the Year 2015

Daniel Stephen Sidner Blue’s Egg, a restaurant Owner serving breakfast and Joseph Arno Muench lunch dishes that blend old world ingredients Chef/Owner with fresh products Black Shoe Hospitality and made from scratch 320 N. 77th Street techniques. In 2014, Milwaukee, WI 53213 Black Shoe added Story Hill BKC (bottle, kitchen, cup), a coffee shop which morphs from a lunch diner to fine evening dining. Black Shoe Hospitality seeks to provide a dining experience that Throughout the years, Black Shoe Hospitality received five keeps diners coming back to their three unique dining venues, SBA-backed loans. Maxie’s has been named Best Southern/ all centrally located, not far from downtown Milwaukee. In Cajun restaurant by the Shepherd Express Readers in the last six 2007, co-owners Daniel Sidnor and Joseph Muench opened years. In 2012, OnMilwaukee.com named it the Best Restaurant Maxie’s, a restaurant inspired by the ‘Low Country’ cooking of the in Milwaukee and it has appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Carolinas, Creole and Cajun cooking of Louisiana and traditional Sentinel ‘s Top 30 restaurants in four of the last five years. Today, slow-smoked southern barbeque. In 2010, Black Shoe opened Black Shoe Hospitality has 160 employees.

Wyoming Small Business Persons of the Year 2015

Jack Bedessem President Keith Marcott Executive Vice-President Craig Carlson Vice-President Trihydro 1252 Commerce Drive and internationally. Its services have assisted agribusiness, Laramie, WY 82070 manufacturing, mining, petroleum and pharmaceutical clients, as well as government customers. The firm now has over 400 employees located in 16 offices across the country. Trihydro actively pursued new opportunities, including applying Trihydro was started by a geologist and a chemist in Laramie to the SBA for HUBZone certification in 2002; adding surveying as an environmental consulting firm whose goal was to services in 2005; expanding into an in-house web-based apply safe and effective scientific solutions to solve customer data management system in 2006, and adding more high- problems. Through strategic pursuit of government contracting end technical expertise in 2013. The company found unique opportunities and participation in the SBA’s HUBZone program, opportunities in government contracting, and began pursuing the firm has achieved strong and sustained growth over the large federal contracts. years. In 2014, Trihydro was ranked 114 on the Top 200 Environmental Today the firm provides environmental, engineering, air Firms list by the Engineering News-Record (ENR). quality, surveying, water resource and information technology services to a broad range of clients within the United States 34 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 2015 Small Business Investment Company of the Year Award

Michael DiPiano financing. SBA invests long-term capital in privately owned Managing Partner and managed investment firms licensed as Small Business NewSpring Capital Investment Companies (“SBIC”). For every $1 an SBIC raises from a private investor, the SBA can provide up to $3 of debt 555 East Lancaster Ave., Suite 444 capital, subject to a cap of $150 million. Once capitalized, SBICs Radnor, PA 19087 make debt and equity investments in some of America’s most promising small businesses, helping them grow.

NewSpring Capital is the “small fund” recipient of the SBIC of the Year award. It has managed three SBIC funds and NewSpring Mezzanine III is in the application process. NewSpring Ventures, a 2000 hybrid PS/debenture fund, invested $99 million in 27 companies, fully repaid all SBA Leverage, and paid SBA $10.1 million in profit participation. NewSpring Capital has invested across the U.S. and heavily in underserved markets. Its portfolio companies have employed nearly 7,000 people. NewSpring Capital is managed by Michael DiPiano, Steven Hobman, Gregory Barger, Marc Lederman, and Brian Murphy. The SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation administers the SBIC Program, a multi-billion dollar, government-sponsored investment fund created in 1958 to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs’ need for capital and traditional sources of

Theodore L. Koenig The SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation administers the Managing Member SBIC Program, a multi-billion dollar, government-sponsored investment fund created in 1958 to bridge the gap between Monroe Capital Partners Fund LP entrepreneurs’ need for capital and traditional sources of 311 S. Wacker, Suite 6400 financing. SBA invests long-term capital in privately owned Chicago, IL 60606 and managed investment firms licensed as Small Business Investment Companies (“SBIC”). For every $1 an SBIC raises from a private investor, the SBA can provide up to $3 of debt capital, subject to a cap of $150 million. Once capitalized, SBICs Monroe Capital is the “big fund” recipient of the SBIC of the Year make debt and equity investments in some of America’s most award. It has three SBIC funds. Monroe SBIC funds have SBA promising small businesses, helping them grow. commitments totaling $225 million, and have invested $260 million in 30 small businesses. More than 70 percent of these investments have been to “smaller enterprises,” and 30 percent to minority-owned companies. Since 2004, the Monroe family of funds, together with co-investment partners, has invested $2.5 billion in more than 500 middle market companies. Monroe Capital is managed by Jeremy VanDerMeid, Theodore Koenig, Michael Egan, Zia Uddin and Thomas Aronson.

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 35 7(a) Loan Program Winners 2015

National Small Business Week 2015 Jody C. Raskind Microlender of the Year Award Robert Boyle underserved markets in Missouri, Illinois Founder and CEO and Kansas (390 loans); the most in both Justine PETERSEN Housing & Reinvestment Corp. dollars and number of loans among all SBA Microlenders in FY 2014. 1023 North Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63106 The Microlender of the Year Award is named for Jody C. Raskind, a long-time SBA employee. Jody was a pioneer in U.S. microlending and a leading force behind the establishment of the SBA Microloan Justine PETERSEN Housing & Reinvestment Corp. is the winner Program in 1992. She headed the program for many years of the first-ever Jody C. Raskind Microlender of the Year Award. until last September when she lost a protracted battle Inspired by the legacy of the late Justine M. Petersen, a with cancer, just a few days before retirement. During her pioneer in implementing community reinvestment in St. Louis, association with the program, about 55,000 microloans were Robert Boyle founded Justine PETERSEN to assist low-wealth made totaling $655 million. individuals and families to develop, maintain and increase The Microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to financial assets including homeownership. Recognizing help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare the important role that small businesses play in promoting centers start-up and expand. The average microloan is community stabilization, economic opportunity and job about $13,000. SBA provides funds to nonprofit community- creation, Justine PETERSEN became one of the first SBA based organizations with experience in lending as well as Microlenders in1992. management and technical assistance. These intermediaries Under Rob’s leadership, and with the help of a dedicated staff, administer the Microloan program for eligible borrowers. Justine PETERSEN placed $2.6 million in microloan capital into

National Small Business Week 2015 Community Advantage Lender of the Year

Patrick J. MacKrell a consortium of 124 banks and 83 President & CEO economic development agencies which Empire State Certified Development Corp. promotes business prosperity and economic welfare for New York. 50 Beaver St. Albany, NY 12207 In FY 2014, Empire State CDC led the nation in approving $8.6 million of Community Advantage (CA) Loans to 66 different small businesses. An early adapter and leader in the CA Program, Patrick J. MacKrell is President and CEO of the Empire State Empire State CDC was one of eight CA Lenders to commit Certified Development Corp. (Empire State CDC), winner of the at the 2014 Clinton Global Initiative to make at least 100 CA first-ever National Small Business Week Community Advantage loans per year by 2017. Community Advantage gives mission Lender of the Year Award. Empire State CDC is New York’s largest oriented lenders access to the 7(a) guaranteed loan program. SBA 504 lender and consistently ranks in the top five among Importantly, more than 40 percent of CA loans have been the 242 certified development companies nationwide. It is a approved for $100,000 or less. subsidiary of the New York Business Development Corporation,

36 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards 2015

2015 Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence for Services Cynthia L. Hyland Northrop Grumman’s Small Business Sector Vice President, Supply Chain Liaison Officers provide direction to Northrop Grumman Information Systems small businesses and alert them to subcontracting opportunities. Northrop 7575 Colshire Drive also actively engages the SBA’s Small McLean, VA 22102 Business Innovative Research program to identify small businesses for SBIR Phase II projects to meet its research Northrop Grumman Information Systems is a leading global and development needs. In FY 2013, Northrup awarded 50.6 provider of advanced solutions for its military, federal, state percent in subcontracts to small businesses totaling $1.1 billion, and commercial customers. The company’s seven focus areas 7.4 percent to small disadvantaged businesses totaling $163 include: cyber, command and control, communications, million, 11.6 percent to women-owned businesses totaling $254 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, integrated air and million, 1.1 percent to HUBZone small businesses totaling $24 missile defense, health and civil. million and 10 percent to veteran-owned businesses totaling $219 million. Service disabled veteran-owned small businesses Northrop Grumman’s small business subcontracting program received 5.8 percent of subcontracts totaling $126 million. is designed to provide small businesses with the maximum opportunity to participate as suppliers or team members in its programs.

2015 Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence for Construction

Thomas J. Logan In FY 2014, AMEC awarded $57 million in President subcontracting dollars to small businesses, AMEC Environment & Infrastructure, Inc. $25 million in subcontracting dollars 250 Royal Palm Way, Suite 308 to small disadvantaged businesses, $7 million in subcontracting dollars to Palm Beach, FL 33480 women-owned businesses, $1.5 million in subcontracting dollars to HUBZone small businesses and $12 million in subcontracting dollars to veteran-owned businesses. AMEC Environment & Infrastructure, Inc. is a full-service Service disabled veteran-owned small businesses received 1 engineering firm, ranked one of the top contractors in the million in subcontracting dollars. AMEC’s three year average world by Engineering News Record. It provides water resources, of subcontracting awards include: 77.86 percent to small environmental, geotechnical, materials testing and other businesses, 15.16 percent to small disadvantaged businesses, consulting services to its clients worldwide. AMEC, an ardent 13.14 percent to women-owned businesses, 5.11 percent to supporter of small business subcontractors, has increased its HUBZone small businesses, 17.29 percent to veteran-owned percentage of subcontracting dollars to small businesses each small businesses and 2.23 percent to service disabled veteran- year since FY 2010, from 53.7 percent to almost 85 percent in FY owned small businesses. 2014.

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 37 Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards (continued)

2015 Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence for Manufacturing

Sherman Dupre an established small business and supplier Director, Boeing SDB & SA diversity program that has been in place The Boeing Company since 1951. 110 Airport Way, Building 100 Boeing is committed to providing St. Louis, MO 63134 small and diverse businesses with the maximum subcontracting opportunities. It also engages the SBA’s Small Business Innovative Research program to identify small businesses to meet its research Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading and development needs. In FY 2014, Boeing awarded 20.36 manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and percent in subcontracts to small businesses totaling $1.7 billion, security systems. It supports airlines and allied government 2.4 percent to small disadvantaged businesses totaling $205 customers in 150 countries, including the United States. Boeing’s million, 5 percent to women-owned business totaling $439 products and tailored services include: commercial and military million, .6 percent to HUBZone small businesses totaling $54 aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, million and 2 percent to veteran-owned businesses totaling launch systems, advanced information and communication $200 million. Service disabled veteran-owned small businesses systems, and performance-based logistics and training. It has received .7 percent of subcontracts totaling $61 million.

2015 Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence for Research & Development

Dr. Thom Mason In FY 2014, ORNL met or exceeded all but Laboratory Director one of its small business subcontracting UT-Battelle LLC goals, missing its HUBZone goal by 1/10th Manager of Oak Ridge National Laboratory of a percent! In total, ORNL awarded $213 million in subcontracting dollars Science & Energy Research & Development Laboratory to small businesses. It also surpassed its 1 Bethel Valley Road overall small business goal of 55 percent. The laboratory spent Oak Ridge, TN 37830 $673 million in overall subcontracting dollars to large and small businesses. Veteran-owned small businesses received seven percent or $27 million in subcontracting dollars, small disadvantaged businesses received nine percent or $36 million UT-Battelle LLC is a long-time supporter of small businesses and in subcontracting dollars and women-owned small businesses maintains a proactive small business subcontracting program received 10 percent or $39 million in subcontracting dollars. at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). ORNL is a world Service disabled veteran-owned small businesses received four leader in research and development in several areas that percent of ORNL subcontracts totaling $15 million. support the Department of Energy’s mission including neutron science, energy, systems biology, materials science at the nanoscale and national security.

38 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 8(a) Graduate Firm of the Year 2015

Eli Valenzuela Chili’s, Uno’s, Amtrak, Chairman and CEO the Washington Sher Valenzuela Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA), Vice President the Southeastern First State Manufacturing Pennsylvania 301 SE 4th Street Transportation Milford, DE 19963 Authority (SEPTA), Lockheed Martin, the Department of Defense and Amazon. The company now has 80 employees and its sales have Eli and Sher Valenzuela founded First State Manufacturing, continued to rise since graduating from the 8(a) Program. The an industrial sewing and manufacturing company in their company reupholsters existing transportation seating and garage in 1997. The firm provides industrial seating and custom cuts and binds carpet. FSM plans to expand its presence upholstery supplies to its commercial, government, and in the transit and distribution industry and expand to the military customers. FSM is a graduate of SBA’s 8(a) Business healthcare industry. Development Program and has secured more than $10 million in contracts to customers such as: Trump Plaza, Dover Downs,

2015 National Exporter of the Year

Sawyer Manufacturing Company Sawyer Manufacturing Company faced Vice President: Dave Hembree strong competition from other small 7799 S. Regency Drive business exporters, but in the end was selected the National Exporter of the Tulsa, OK 74131 Year for outscoring all others on most judging criteria, which included successful performance, creativity, expertise, and Sawyer Manufacturing Company is SBA’s 2015 National Exporter mentoring, among others. of the Year. Sawyer’s experience in global markets has positioned the Sawyer’s production line is primarily focused on midstream company as a mentor for other local businesses, which Sawyer transportation, storage, and the general movement of pipeline has helped to become global market participants thereby materials from production to distribution. promoting economic development in Tulsa. Since its founding, the Tulsa-based company has been The company’s achievement is a testament to its export exporting globally to more than 50 countries. In recent years, leadership team: Vice President Dave Hembree; Operations international business has accounted for nearly 50 percent of Manager Scott Pearson; Shop Manager John Moorelock; and the company’s total revenue, and the company has added more Sales and Marketing Director Andrew Martins. than 20 overseas distributors in the past four years.

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 39 2015 Prime Contractor of the Year

Jon K. Hammock KeyLogic has 180 employees at offices President and CEO in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and KeyLogic Systems, Inc. New York and performs 92 percent of its work as a prime contractor. The 3168 Collins Ferry Road, Morgantown, WV 26505 company has partnered with more than 500 subcontractors on federal projects with more than 350 subcontractors Jon Hammock founded KeyLogic Systems, Inc. (KeyLogic), an IT supporting the DOE’s Project Execution solutions and expert management consulting services firm in 1999 and Integration contract. KeyLogic also led a team of small with the help of an SBA-backed loan. KeyLogic provides support businesses in the design, development, instruction and to a wide array of federal agencies, including the Department of tracking of more than 300 instructional hours for NASA Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory, which it engineers as part of its Software Assurance Technical has supported on its Project Execution and Integration project Excellence program. since 2009. The company currently supports 18 federal agencies and has 34 active contracts. Those agencies include: the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Internal Revenue Service.

2015 Subcontractor of the Year

Richard T. Hansell Some of RTH’s other clients include the President U. S. Departments of Navy and Army, RTH Mechanical Contractors, Inc. U.S. Coast Guard, New Hampshire Air National Guard, Bath Iron Works Facility, 99 Pine Road Veterans Administration, Dartmouth Brentwood, NH 03833 College, University of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. RTH also provided Richard T. Hansell is President of RTH Mechanical Contractors, HVAC/Plumbing and medical gas work to New Hampshire’s Inc., a veteran-owned mechanical and general contractor Memorial Hospital for its new addition. that has been servicing clients primarily in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont for more than 28 years. Under Richard’s leadership, the company has grown to more than 50 employees and more than $10 million in revenues. Some of the services RTH provides include pipefitting, plumbing and med gas. RTH received more than $12 million in subcontracts to provide plumbing, mechanical ductwork and rooftop HVAC, including emergency repairs to mission critical design-build activities for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and New Boston AFS for the ECC corporation, its prime contractor.

40 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 SCORE Chapter of the Year 2015

George Edwards Co-Chair Jim Kane Co-Chair Hugh MacMaster District Director Chester and Delaware County SCORE the Chester County Economic Development Council, Chester 601 Westtown Road, Suite 281 County government, Chester County Library System, as West Chester, PA 19380 well as local universities and high schools. The chapter’s ambassador program assigns a SCORE representative to each partner, sponsor and targeted business to ensure a steady flow of updates including workshops, roundtables and new The Chester and Delaware County SCORE chapter is the National counseling locations. SCORE Chapter of the Year. This chapter has achieved success by focusing on the needs of its small business clients first. It The chapter’s new governance structure has resulted in provides mentoring at eight locations throughout the local area significant gains since 2009 including a 112% increase in and offers extended hours, including nights and Saturdays. The membership, 206% increase in total services, 173% increase chapter also offers business education seminars, a robust email in workshop attendance and 33% diversity in chapter mentoring service and workshops for its Hispanic clients. membership. The chapter’s development of partnerships has been incredibly effective in spreading awareness of SCORE in the local region. Notable partners include seven local Chambers of Commerce,

2015 Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award

Limaris Aponte WBI’s success is its volunteers program to Director support specialized services. Professional Women’s Business Institute (Instituto Empresarial para la Mujer) volunteers offer special seminars and workshops, participate as resources on Universidad de Sagrado Corazon expert panels, and provide individualized P.O. Box 12383 counseling on technical issues. San Juan, PR 00921 During the last three fiscal years, the center supported the opening of 27 new businesses, creating 50 new jobs. More than 5,000 attendees benefited from the Since 1997, the Puerto Rico Women’s Business Institute (WBI) WBI’s 397 business training opportunities, and nearly 1,500 at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón has offered training counseling sessions were provided. and assistance to women entrepreneurs in the areas of business planning, financial management, marketing and other specialized business services. Under the leadership of Limaris Aponte, the WBI provides business training services to more than 1,000 individuals each year. Most of the WBI’s clientele consists of women, and more than 95 percent are Hispanic. Another fundamental part of the

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 41 2015 Veterans Business Outreach Center

Darcella K. Craven The center reaches out to small business Executive Director owners using social media. They are Veterans Business Resource Center advocates of “aligning and amplifying” 315 Lemay Ferry Road, Suite 114 partnerships around Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri to ensure that veteran small St. Louis, MO 63125 business owners have access to local and national resources that will help grow their companies. The Veterans Business Resource Center in St. Louis has been Since 2006, Darcella Craven has served several roles at the assisting veterans, transitioning military and their families with VBRC, including business counselor, outreach coordinator and starting and expanding small businesses since 2004. They have presenter. She has over 18 years of experience in operating assisted more than 10,000 service members, veterans and their nonprofits, corporate communications, government and military families through seminars, webinars, trainings and one-on-one administration and training. counseling.

2015 Small Business Development Center

Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) This center is led by Center Director at Southeastern Louisiana University William Joubert, who is well known for William Joubert his involvement in the area’s economic development community. The LSBDC Center Director serves individuals interested in starting or Sandy Summers expanding a business within the five Florida Assistant Director Parishes, including Livingston, St. Helena, Wayne Ricks St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington. Senior Business Consultant With a keen focus on helping small businesses access capital and Brandy Boudreaux accelerate business growth, its consultants identify the tools and Business Consultant resources necessary to help businesses grow and compete in an 1514 Martens Drive increasing global economy. The LSBDC restructured its outreach Hammond, LA 70402 activities, creating a more targeting approach to servicing outlying areas. Since 2003, the LSBDC’s dedicated staff has provided more than 21,000 hours of training and helped secure over $256 Since 1984, the Louisiana Small Business Development Center million in loans and equity capital. Their active engagement has (LSBDC) has provided solutions to help small businesses start positioned the center to become a major catalyst for economic and grow to the next level. The LSBDC provides business development for the region. consulting and training seminars designed for small businesses to succeed in every aspect.

42 2015 National Small Business Week | May 4-8, 2015 Thank you to the 2015 National Small Business Week Cosponsors

SBA: Dream Big. Start Small. 43